Finding Accommodation in Norway
Finding Accommodation in Norway
Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and it is no wonder why so many people are interested in living there. However, finding accommodation in major cities such as Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, Trondheim, and Kristiansand can be a daunting task. These cities are known for their high living standards, but also for their expensive and competitive housing market.
That being said, we hope you’re not discouraged. In truth, moving to any country is a challenging, but also exciting experience and finding accommodation is one of the first thing to check off the list.
In this blog post, we will provide you with some tips and tricks on how to find affordable accommodation in Norway during your learning and mobility experience.
Prepare Documents
Before we can direct you to any specific place to look for accommodation, you need to make sure you have the required documents to stay in Norway. The specific documents required to get accommodation in Norway as a student or worker may vary depending on the type of accommodation and the landlord or housing provider. However, here are some general documents that may be required:
For students:
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Proof of student status (e.g. admission letter, student ID card)
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Proof of income or financial support (e.g. bank statement, scholarship letter)
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Passport or national ID card
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Rental application form
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References from previous landlords or roommates (optional)
For workers or visitors:
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Proof of employment (e.g. employment contract, work permit)
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Proof of income or financial support (e.g. pay slips, bank statement)
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Passport or national ID card
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Rental application form
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References from previous landlords or roommates (optional)
It's best to check with the specific housing provider or landlord about their specific requirements for documentation.
Other General Tips
Start your search early
The housing market in the major cities in Norway are extremely competitive, and it can take some time to find the right accommodation. Therefore, it is important to start your search early. Ideally, you should start looking for accommodation at least 2-3 months before you plan to move in.
Be flexible with your location
If you are struggling to find affordable accommodation in your preferred location, you might want to consider expanding your search area. Living a little further away from the city center can save you a lot of money on rent. Public transportation in Norway is reliable, so living outside the city center should not be a problem. You can read more about Transportation tips in Norway in our Living Abroad forum here.
Be prepared to pay a deposit
In Norway, it is common for landlords to ask for a deposit when you rent an apartment or a room. The deposit is usually equivalent to one or two months' rent and will be returned to you when you move out if there is no damage to the property.
Be prepared for high rent prices
Rent prices in major cities in Norway can be very high, so you should be prepared for this. The cost of living in Norway is generally high, so you might need to adjust your budget accordingly. However, it is possible to find affordable accommodation if you are willing to compromise on location or share an apartment with other people.
For All: Local Resources to Look for Accommodation
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Use online housing portals
One of the easiest ways to find accommodation in Norway, and in most countries, is to use online housing portals such as Finn.no and Hybel.no. These websites allow you to search for apartments, rooms, and shared flats in your preferred location. Besides from these popular local platforms, Norwegians also use bigger international housing platforms.
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Join Facebook groups
Another way to find accommodation in Norway is to join Facebook groups dedicated to housing. There are several groups for each major city, and they can be a great resource for finding accommodation. Members of these groups often post advertisements for rooms or apartments that are available for rent. For example, if you plan to live in Bergen, you can join the Til Leie/Ønsker leilighet BERGEN group or if you want to look for accommodation in Oslo, you can join the BOLIG - Kjøpe - selge - leie i Oslo group.
As you browse through these Facebook groups, you’ll quickly notice that majority of the accommodation posts are published in Norwegian, with a few in English. Here’s a quick glossary check translated from Norwegian into English:
- Bolig = Housing
- Leilighet = Apartment
- Utleie = Rental
- Leie = To rent
Don’t worry if you don't feel comfortable to write in Norwegian, most Norwegians will be able to read in English so you can also post your inquiries in English.
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Consider shared accommodation
Shared accommodation is a popular option in Norway, especially among students. Sharing an apartment or a house with other people can be an affordable way to live in a major city. Websites such as Hybel.no have a dedicated section for shared accommodation.
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Use Short-term rental platforms
As sharing economy is becoming more and more normal now, Norwegians often rent out their extra rooms, second homes or apartments in order to make extra money. To take advantage of this situation, if you’re having trouble finding long-term accommodation, you might want to consider using short-term rental platforms. These platforms allow you to rent a room or an apartment for a few weeks or months while you look for a more permanent solution.
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Consider subletting
If you are only planning to stay in Norway for a short period of time, you might want to consider subletting. Subletting means that you rent a room or an apartment from someone who already has a lease. This can be a good option if you only need accommodation for a few months. Going back to the Facebook groups and other internal OLS forums, you can find communities that are renting out their spaces for short periods and you can contact these people directly.
For Students: Resources to Look for Accommodation
In addition to general resources that everyone can use, if you are a student, you have other organizations and platforms specifically dedicated to help students to find accommodation.
All students
First, have a look at university halls of residence. Most universities in Norway offer student accommodation in their halls of residence, also known as "studentbolig". These halls are generally located near the university campus and offer single rooms, shared rooms or apartments. They are furnished with basic amenities such as a bed, desk, and closet. The rent for these accommodations varies depending on the location, size, and type of accommodation. However, the rent is usually lower than the private market.
Another option for student accommodation in Norway is student villages. These are privately owned accommodations specifically designed for students. Student villages offer a range of accommodation options such as studio apartments, shared apartments, and single rooms. They are located in various parts of the city and offer a vibrant community with social events and activities for students. The rent for student villages is usually higher than the university halls of residence but lower than the private market.
It can be a bit confusing mixing up university halls of residence and student villas, and to make the matter a bit more complicated, Norway also has something called Studentsamskipnad. It’s the student welfare organisation in Norway. It not only provides housing services, but also other various services to students, including health services, counselling, career guidance, and social activities. Studentsamskipnad operates in several universities and colleges across Norway, and its services are available to all students regardless of their background or nationality.
Studentsamskipnad housing service provides affordable student accommodation across Norway, but keep in mind, there are several Studentsamskipnad in Norway, each serving a specific geographic region or group of institutions. Here are the main Studentsamskipnad in Norway:
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SiO (Studentsamskipnaden) - serves students in Oslo region and surrounding are Viken
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SiB (Studentsamskipnaden i Bergen) - serves students in Bergen region
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SiT (Studentsamskipnaden i Trondheim) - serves students in Trondheim region
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Samskipnaden i Innlandet - serves students in the Innlandet region
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Sammen (Studentsamskipnaden på Vestlandet) - serves students in the western part of Norway, including Stavanger, Haugesund, and Sogn og Fjordane
There are also several smaller Studentsamskipnad that serve specific institutions or regions.
Each Studentsamskipnad owns some student villages, which offer a range of accommodation options, including single and shared rooms, studios, and apartments. Studentsamskipnad also has a waiting list for students who want to rent its properties.
You’ll have to do a bit of research depending on which region you plan to stay and make sure that you plan with good time in advance as many of these housing options have application deadlines.
Erasmus students
As an Erasmus student, you should take advantage of the platforms that are assisting Erasmus students only.
Check out Erasmus Student Network (ESN). The ESN is a student-led organization that provides support and information to Erasmus students. The local ESN section in Norway can help you find suitable accommodation, and may have information on available rooms and apartments.
Another resource you should look into is Erasmusu. Erasmusu is an online platform that connects Erasmus students with accommodation providers. The website has a wide range of housing options including shared apartments, private rooms, and student residences.
There are also 3rd party platforms that are dedicated to Erasmus students, but are not officially organized by EU. These platforms can be created by Erasmus students themselves. An example is Erasmusplay.
For questions regarding living in Norway, have a look at the Living Abroad Forum at OLS. We can help you and assist you with any questions or doubts you have regarding finding accommodation in Norway. You can also discuss with other fellow OLS members who are living in or moving to Norway.
Searching for accommodation in Norway can be exhausting and frustrating. The last thing you want is to be stranded in a foreign country and not have a place to stay. It can jeopardize your whole learning and mobility experience. We hope that this guideline will help you get organized and prepared for the housing search.
Happy hunting!